January 17, 2022, I entered the emergency room not my usual self. Feeding myself left me spilling my food on myself, walking unaided was a challenge, and my arms, hands, legs, and feet were tingling and numb. My journey with Multiple Sclerosis was about to begin.
The MRI and lumbar puncture happened within the first 24 hours, then came the high doses of steroids, heparin, and insulin were all part of my daily regime.
Random thoughts while I awaited the diagnosis: Yes, I am too old to have this disease. Yes, I thought I had a brain tumor. Yes, I had some symptoms that I ignored. Yes, I knew that my life was going to change. And yes, I have MS.
The neurologist delineated the medical description of this incurable disease. The images online of MS and the information present a less than optimist point of view. With lesions in the brain and the spinal column, I faced the fact that I needed to become a learner and figure out how to accommodate my symptoms and what I needed to do to get myself back to “normal.” But, most importantly, I needed to get on with living my life to the fullest.
I focused on the immediate situation. I used Plan, Accept, Cope, and Enjoy, the P.A.C.E. acronym, to help me manage my sense of losing myself. Honestly, this simple acronym was affirming. I relied on it a lot the first year. Sometimes simple ideas have powerful impacts and this was one I came to respect.
MS Fortunate 